Christie’s’ Magnificent Jewels sale to offer over 280 lots

Christie’s is set to offer the Oppenheimer Blue, the largest and finest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever offered at auction at its Spring auction of Magnificent Jewels. The sale is slated on May 18, at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The Oppenheimer Blue of 14.62 carats, named in honor of its previous owner Sir Philip Oppenheimer, is estimated at US$38-45 million. The stone will lead Christie’s auction.

Speaking of the diamond, Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewellery at Christie’s said, “This stunning Fancy Vivid Blue rectangular-cut gem promises to create a media sensation as it travels around the world, fascinating both collectors and gem enthusiasts alike, before it makes its way to the auction block in Geneva.’

The sale will collectively offer over 280 lots estimated in excess of CHF 110 million in Geneva, including the Superb Jewels from the collection of H.S.H. Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen, exceptional jewels from noble, private and important collections, prestigious examples of 19th Century, Belle Epoque, Art Déco, Rétro and Contemporary jewellery designs.

Rahul Kadakia, added, “It is a privilege to offer jewellery spanning from spectacular 19th Century examples to more contemporary designs. To present together a selection of the Superb Jewels from the Collection of H.S.H. Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen, alongside the largest fancy vivid blue diamond to be offered at auction and a private collection of 36 jewels mainly by Van Cleef & Arpels, is incredibly rare and the perfect start to the 250th anniversary of Christie’s.”

The sale will offer a fancy vivid orange-yellow 12.20 & 11.96 carats sized diamonds, a perfectly matched pair with vivid orange-yellow color and saturation that makes these diamonds incredibly unique. Among colored diamonds is a pink diamond of approximately 11.49 carats, mined from Golconda region (estimate: CHF 1,000,000-1,500,000). In addition to the 46 jewels from the collection of H.S.H Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen the auction offers several further exceptional lots with Royal provenance. An important private collection made up of 36 pieces predominantely by Van Cleef & Arpels showcases a wide variety of spectacular jewels from affordable cocktail rings to a D-colour diamond ring of 25.94 carats amongst many other classical and timeless designs. Seven pieces from a private collector’s collection of Cartier Panthers will also be offered.